Amid growing concerns over ecological damage in the Himalayas, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that the government took extensive measures to minimize environmental impact while constructing the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which includes the iconic Chenab and Anji Khad bridges.

Vaishnaw highlighted that this mega infrastructure project—spanning 272 kilometers across eight districts in Jammu and Kashmir—posed extraordinary engineering challenges due to the fragile Himalayan terrain, yet was executed with strict ecological safeguards in place.

“The USBRL is one of the most difficult railway projects undertaken post-independence, crossing the young Himalayas full of geological surprises,” Vaishnaw said. He noted that world-class institutions like IISc Bangalore and IIT Delhi, along with global experts, were involved in designing slope stabilization strategies to ensure minimal disruption to the mountain ecology.

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The Chenab Bridge, now the world’s highest railway bridge at 359 meters above riverbed level, and the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, were designed with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability. Advanced slope designs were independently checked by international firms experienced in high-altitude construction.

Vaishnaw also confirmed that a full-scale Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out by the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). The resulting Environmental Management Plan (EMP) led to the construction of sedimentation tanks at tunnel outlets, lined drains, and reverse-pumping systems to ensure uninterrupted water supply to affected villages.

Additionally, controlled blasting techniques were employed to limit vibrations, and air quality sensors have been installed inside tunnels to monitor pollution levels during rail operations. The project also features full electrification, replacing diesel engines to reduce carbon emissions.

“In a sensitive ecological zone like the Himalayas, we have made every effort to ensure that progress does not come at the cost of nature,” Vaishnaw told the House. He added that biodiversity protection measures were built into the EMP, including eco-restoration plans with native plant species and grass turfing on dumping sites.

While the engineering marvel of Chenab and Anji bridges has captured global attention, the government's claim of combining cutting-edge infrastructure with environmental mindfulness adds a new layer of pride—and scrutiny—to this ambitious project.

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